Head of Geography Required for September 2021

WWW.EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK Introduction

Epsom College is one of the UK’s leading independent co-educational schools, providing boarding and day education for over 1,025 girls and boys aged 11-18.

The school’s increasing popularity grows out of a rich and distinguished tradition of academic excellence, complemented by a breadth of sporting and cultural opportunities.

The beautiful 85-acre College estate is home to a community of outstanding and inspirational teachers. Each works hard to continue the legacy of the founder of the College, Dr John Propert, by extending the horizons of pupils in a rapidly changing world while continuing to uphold the school’s founding values of benevolence and excellence.

As an HMC school, is proud of its rich history and confident in its future. Under the leadership of Headmaster Jay Piggot, ambitious plans to strengthen the school’s competitive UK position and international links – particularly, in Malaysia - continue to grow apace, thus maintaining and enhancing the College’s global reputation.

This is an exciting time to join Epsom and to contribute to the further development and success of the College. Working at Epsom is rewarding both personally and professionally; staff flourish in this boarding school community and significantly enhance their own professional development. The College welcomes teachers and pupils from all backgrounds and one thing unites them all – a passionate commitment to Epsom’s values and ethos.

2 A Unique History

Epsom College was founded in 1855 and granted royal Built in 1857, the Chapel of St Luke stands at the heart of the patronage by Her Majesty Queen Victoria in the same year. College estate and is a physical reflection of the school’s Today it has Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II as its patron. Christian heritage. Embracing diversity, the College community now includes pupils and staff of many different The College has a truly unique history. It began life as faiths and beliefs. The Royal Medical Benevolent College thanks to the work of founder Dr John Propert, who raised funds to build an Investment in the school’s infrastructure continued at a institution for qualified medical practitioners and their remarkable pace during the latter quarter of the 20th century spouses as well as a school for their sons. as buildings were upgraded, Houses changed and extended.

The Royal Medical Foundation, based at the College, The College has been co-educational for more than 40 years, continues to play an active part in school life. The charitable with girls first welcomed to the school in 1976. Since the foundation was built through generosity and a dedication to opening of the Lower School in September 2016, Years 7 and improving the lives of the individual and society, values which 8 number as many girls as boys, something of which we are remain at the heart of the College today. immensely proud.

The School now has more pupils than ever before and the number is rising.

3 Academic Life

A strong academic focus is at the heart of the College and is based on the principles of encouraging lifelong learning, independence and a culture of intellectual curiosity. Supported by well qualified and inspirational staff, pupils are challenged to question, to be reflective and to develop the life of the mind.

With its medical heritage, the College is renowned for its excellence in the sciences and this now extends to all areas of its broad academic curriculum.

The curriculum begins in the new Lower School with a varied and balanced range of subjects.

Alongside traditional subjects, pupils choose from four modern languages (including Mandarin) and follow innovative courses and STEM projects. All pupils entering the school at 11+ are issued with an iPad to transform their learning and organisation.

At 13+, pupils study a curriculum that includes three separate sciences, computing, music, art, drama and design technology. Pupils will work towards ten GCSE subjects and in many subjects IGCSEs have been introduced to provide a more rigorous preparation for A-level study.

In the Sixth Form, the curriculum has been fully updated to offer a greater choice of subject combinations, to meet the needs of specialists as well as generalists.

Most pupils follow a course of three subjects to A-level and will also choose an option from the core curriculum which contains subjects such as Global Perspectives, Extended Project, Core Mathematics and English. The curriculum has been designed to stretch pupils beyond the scope of traditional A-level specifications and to prepare them for university study and for life.

In the last few years, Epsom has consistently achieved high value-added scores at both GCSE and A-level. The vast majority of Sixth Form leavers move onto higher education with the majority earning places at leading Russell Group universities.

The College is strongly committed to the development of its teaching and learning, investing in exceptional academic facilities and learning resources, and in high quality professional development.

Epsom College prides itself on delivering an all-round education and learning experience, encouraging students to stretch themselves in an environment of high intellectual energy.

4 Pastoral Care Epsom prides itself on delivering the highest standards of pastoral care. The close-knit House system is crucial to day-to-day life at the College, forming a home away from home for all pupils.

Over 60 per cent of Epsom’s staff reside on, or very close to, the campus. Each Boarding House is home to a Housemaster or Housemistress and their family, complementing the relaxed and homely feel that typifies the school’s strong boarding ethos. Pastoral care is further strengthened by dedicated House Tutors, who closely monitor pupils’ academic progress and social development.

There are 13 Houses – four boarding and three day Houses for boys; and two boarding and four day Houses for girls. Each House is supported by a Matron and a full team of dedicated domestic staff, who are always on hand to care for the pupils’ welfare and practical needs. Senior House prefects serve as positive role models and mentors for the younger year groups and together they form one family whose strength lies in the emphasis it places on discipline, tolerance and understanding of others.

Communication between staff and parents is frequent and constructive. Staff are conscious of the commitment they have to parents and to providing a regular link between home and school. Keeping parents fully involved and informed on their child’s progress, and of significant developments in the wider College community is of paramount importance.

There is a healthy rivalry in the form of popular inter-House competitions. Houses compete against each other in a number of activities, including a variety of sports and the annual Choral Competition. Each House also arranges soirées and trips out, further contributing to a sense of belonging.

5 Co-curricular There is a plethora of co-curricular activities available to pupils, Music is a vital aspect of life at Epsom College and the College catering for all interests and talents. Orchestra, Big Band, Downs Singers, Chapel Choir, smaller ensembles and rock bands have all taken centre stage. The College has a proud reputation for producing highly The 70-strong Chapel Choir is one of the most high-profile pupil successful individuals and teams in a number of sports. All pupils, groups at the College and enjoys regular invitations to perform no matter their ability, have a comprehensive games programme evensong at Cathedrals throughout the country. with opportunities to play competitively at school and House level. More than 25 sports are played regularly at Epsom, the Drama is thriving, with a stage performance each term, as well main sports for boys being rugby, football, cricket, tennis and as frequent House plays and musicals, all involving a large cast athletics, while girls’ sports include hockey, netball, athletics, of pupils. tennis and rounders. The purpose-built Performing Arts Centre also provides The College’s Combined Cadet Force is one of the largest in the opportunities for theatre performance, dance and the increasingly UK and has Army, Navy, and RAF sections. Pupils over the age of popular silks and aerial skills. Art also flourishes at Epsom in the 14 are expected to join for at least two years when much time is spacious John Piper Art School. devoted to camping, expeditions and leadership training.

Older boys and girls have the opportunity to participate in the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, while many pupils also take part in some form of Community Service, highlighting the importance every member plays in the wider society.

6 Location and Facilities

The College’s magnificent red-brick Victorian buildings are All Houses are located on campus within walking distance set in an 85-acre estate on Epsom Downs, a stone’s throw of the main school buildings. Most staff residences are also from Epsom Racecourse, home of the famous Derby. The on campus with others located within a ten-minute walk of College benefits from being inside the M25 yet only 30 the College. minutes by train to central London. It is also ideally located for overseas students, being 30 minutes from Gatwick and There is an extensive range of outstanding facilities for 50 minutes from Heathrow. co-curricular activities, including all-weather floodlit pitches, an excellent sports hall complex, indoor cricket nets, Teaching is conducted in 50 well-equipped classrooms six squash courts, a 25-metre indoor swimming pool, an grouped by Department, each with its own specialist resource indoor rifle range and a very well-equipped fitness centre. base and dedicated IT support facilities. Furthermore, within comfortable reach of the College grounds are provisions for golf at Walton Heath Golf Club, At the centre of the College community, and in the physical doubles squash at the Royal Automobile Club and heart of the school campus, stands the beautiful Chapel of cross-country running on the adjacent Epsom Downs. St Luke. Recent years have seen significant investment in the fabric The College Library offers access to over 25,000 books, of the school, including an upgraded Theatre/Concert Hall, newspapers and periodicals, a press cuttings service and a two new Drama Studios, two new Dance Studios and a major fully integrated online catalogue system. upgrade of House facilities.

Ongoing investment in modern facilities includes state of the art technology, to ensure that pupils and teachers always have the very best provisions available to succeed.

7 Benefits of working at Epsom College

• Epsom College has its own 19-point salary scale, above the ADDITIONAL BENEFITS national scale. In 2020/2021 the basic salary range will be • 66% discount on school day fees for children who satisfy from £30,700 to £59,000. In addition to this, the School Epsom’s admissions criteria. This sum is proportionally allocates further emoluments to those with additional reduced for part time members of staff. responsibilities, ranging from the running of a minor sport up to major responsibilities, such as Heading a Department • Membership of the School’s Sports Centre, with access to or House. In 2020/21, the maximum salary available to a squash courts, gym and swimming pool at agreed times. non-SLT member of the Common Room will be £72,500. • Lunch and other refreshments during the school day. • The School is fully committed to the induction and continued training of NQTs. At the discretion of the Headmaster, the • There are opportunities to participate in a number of College may agree to fund up to 50% of the cost of a training Common Room activities such as social events, sports teams etc. course for a member of staff where there is a clear, discernible benefit to the College. ACCOMMODATION • Whether NQT or not, all new staff are well supported when • The School maintains a wide range of high quality staff they arrive, with help and advice available not just from Heads accommodation and 60% of full time teachers live on site of Department, Housemasters/mistresses and Senior Staff but on a beautiful parkland estate occupying 85 acres of also from the Assistant Head Staff who has a specific responsibility countryside. for overseeing the induction process. • Epsom is surrounded by countryside yet is only 30 minutes from • The School offers excellent administrative support. The majority London by train. By car we are just 10 minutes from the M25, of departments have departmental offices creating a collegiate 30 minutes from Gatwick and 50 minutes from Heathrow. atmosphere within departments. There is an annual cycle of • If they are offered staff accommodation then a teacher may opt appraisal as well as myriad opportunities to reflect on professional to use the College’s in-house laundry or have their property practice and development opportunities. cleaned at a subsidised rate.

• The School is committed to high quality ICT facilities with multiple bookable IT suites. The Director of IT and Transformation, in conjunction with the Senior Leadership Team, is responsible for developing the College’s vision and strategy for ICT across the whole curriculum.

• The School commits to a generous INSET budget every year and encourages all members of the Common Room to subscribe to external CPD courses. In addition to this, the School offers INSET days itself, delivering a range of further training, from highly practical First Aid qualifications to seminars on aspects of teaching and learning. High quality training is provided throughout the year through twilight INSET from external trainers.

• The School is highly stable, currently enjoying notable demand for places and is backed by strong financial planning that enables all departments to be very well resourced.

8 Head of Geography REQUIRED FOR SEPTEMBER 2021

OVERVIEW OF EPSOM COLLEGE DEPARTMENTAL INFORMATION

Epsom College is on an exciting trajectory with academic Geography is a highly popular subject at Epsom; consistently one of performance notably advancing in recent years, the Senior the top option subjects and it is continuing to grow. We follow the Leadership Team shortlisted in the Outstanding SLT category of the Edexcel IGCSE specification at GCSE and A-level students go on to 2019 TES Awards, recognised as runner-up as Best School for All- study the OCR geography specification. Rounders (2017), Best School for Co-Curricular Activities (2018), Best School for CCF (2019), Best Prep School for Sport (2020) and The Year 7 and 8 curriculum introduces Lower School pupils to the Best School for All-Rounders (2020) in The Week Independent School world of geography with the aim of developing an understanding of Guide, and shortlisted as 2020 Co-Educational Independent School of foundation geography, such as rivers, hazards and population, and the Year. A sister school recently opened in Malaysia, a Lower School map skills which will prepare them to enter the M4 (Year 9). In these opened in September 2016 and a plethora of dynamic new Heads of formative years we also encourage pupils to develop their IT skills Departments and senior teachers appointed since 2012 under the with an emphasis on the digital diploma as well as fieldwork skills. Headship of Jay Piggot. M4 (Year 9) students follow a bespoke syllabus which prepares them The ISI Inspection report in February 2019 adjudged the College to for the breadth of material studied at IGCSE. We place great emphasis be excellent in all areas with no recommendations for improvement. on students learning difficult but exciting topics such as atmosphere The report observed that pupils ‘demonstrate commitment to and weather, development, and globalisation. This is designed to give excellence in all areas of learning; do not settle for mediocrity and all pupils a good understanding of the range of topics geography express confidence in the culture of the school that inspires them to covers. We believe it is this broad subject coverage which helps make be the best they can be.’ Similarly, the recent 2019 ‘Good Schools geography one of the most popular option subjects at GCSE. Guide’ concludes ‘You feel you are part of a school that’s really going With a record number of students taking A Level Geography we places. Led with real vision, this school offers an exciting learning are looking to grow our department. There are, currently, two environment within an extensive, top-notch campus and the students geography sets in the Lower Sixth Year and two in the Upper Sixth; are among the most inquisitive and delightful we’ve come across.’ this is set to change to 4 in the Lower Sixth Year and two in the The College offers an outstanding all-round education built, in part, Upper Sixth year. Results are consistently high, with many students upon an appreciation that activity beyond the classroom enhances going on to read Geography or Environmental Sciences at top our pupils and their relations with staff, and that passion and universities every year. commitment can transform pupils and prepare them for the richest The department has an active co-curricular role within the school possible lives as adults. as well with both the geography society and the climate committee Life is a very full and rewarding one in a boarding school and the witnessing high numbers of pupil participation. successful applicant will have every encouragement to contribute The Geography Department is housed in superb modern to this through the co-curricular programme (sport, music, drama, accommodation on the top floor of the Humanities Building. All societies etc.). This is a very strong aspect of Epsom’s education as rooms have electronic blinds, Smartboards, WiFi and Apple TV attested by The Week Independent Schools Guide. as well as a variety of interactive teaching resources. Students all As tutors, teachers are allocated to a Boarding or Day House and have access to their own iPads at KS3 and KS4, which are regularly are responsible for monitoring and enhancing the academic and used in lessons, as well as IRIS recording equipment for lesson pastoral welfare of a group of pupils within that House. This involves observation and the sharing of best practice. We have an excellent meeting the pupils regularly both individually and as a group, liaising student-centred resource library on our VLE and use a variety of between teachers and parents, taking supervision duties in the House apps and digital media in lessons. The Department also benefits from and being involved generally in the House community. Tutors are a bespoke ‘Harkness Table’ in one of our offices, where sixth form expected to support individual pupils and groups of pupils through classes regularly have lessons that are characterised by student-led attendance of such events as recitals, concerts, plays and major interaction and discussion. extracurricular events. Fieldwork is central to the work of the Department, and all year groups have a fieldwork day integrated into their course. At KS3 SPECIFIC ROLE these are local to the Surrey area, at IGCSE we study sustainability An inspirational Head of Geography is required for a large and in East London and river processes and management on the flourishing department of 6 teachers for September 2021. This is an Tillingborne river. At A-Level we have developed a residential exceptional leadership opportunity for an inspirational and ambitious and day trip programme to help students with their independent individual. Epsom is strongly committed to staff development and investigation which includes outings in Epsom, Cuckmere Haven, this significant middle management role would suit a candidate and Wales. In addition, we run a variety of exciting enrichment trips wishing to progress to a Senior Leadership post in the next five years. including biennial trips to Iceland for the sixth form and Sicily for the GCSE groups. 9 DEPARTMENTAL PRINCIPLES AND AIMS MAIN TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES • To encourage a genuine enjoyment and interest of and The successful applicant for this post will be expected to: appreciation for Geography that fosters a desire to investigate Geography beyond the curriculum. Strategic Direction and Development • To enable pupils to develop an understanding of concepts • Create a vision for the Department and prepare, in that they can see in their current world and inspire a passion consultation with colleagues, a departmental development plan for the subject. which complements the vision the College Development Plan; • To develop pupils’ numeracy problem solving-skills allowing in addition, to monitor and review the implementation of the them to answers questions whilst demonstrating departmental development plan. an understanding of a wide range of mathematical skills. • Analyse examination results and prepare an annual • To enable pupils to accurately and fluently, express themselves Departmental Review and to set and monitor targets in extended writing and verbally in lessons. for departmental development in close liaison with the Deputy Head (Academic), and to prepare for and respond • To develop pupils’ ability, write clearly and accurately, effectively to the recommendations of Departmental Internal enabling them to explain concepts and theory using key Reviews (MoTs). vocabulary precisely. • Embed College and departmental aims and policies in • To develop pupils’ personal, social, cultural and historical departmental schemes of work. awareness and understanding through their study of the Geography curriculum. • Maintain and develop links with professional groups, prep schools, exam boards, in order to keep up to date with educational and subject related best practice and thus assure DISTINCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS and promote the excellence of departmental provision. OF THE DEPARTMENT • The department is a close knit team who share resources Leadership, Management and Organisation and work effectively together, sharing ideas and best practice • Lead and manage the Department in order that high regularly. performance standards are achieved, recruiting, inducting, • We aim to develop literacy and numeracy skills across all pupils developing, deploying, motivating and appraising members in support of the wider aims of the College. of the department; to establish clear expectations of teachers and offer appropriate development opportunities. • The department has an excellent track record of fostering good relationships with pupils, parents, and colleagues. We are • Manage vital routine administration efficiently (examinations, regularly reflective of our practice and work to ensure we are cover, etc.). adapting with the ever changing world. • Identify, in liaison with the Assistant Head: Staff & • We have examiners who work for the exam boards at both Examinations, the training needs required for departmental A-level and GCSE. development and to promote the professional development of teachers in line with departmental and College aims. • As a department, we pride ourselves on the wealth of opportunities that we provide for our pupils, both inside • Make effective use of departmental meetings to improve and outside the classroom. The opportunities include: 1-2-1 teaching and learning and to ensure that actions are recorded support sessions, arranging further cultural hour and subject and implemented. related talks, running field trips in all year groups supporting • Create departmental documentation of high quality students curiosity of the world with our international trips. (Departmental Handbook, Schemes of Work, Subject Information, etc.) and to develop a vibrant presence on the College website and VLE. • Prepare and monitor a budget which promotes the cost effective management of resources to support high quality teaching and learning. • Ensure that the department is a safe, well ordered and stimulating environment in which to teach and learn.

10 Teaching and Learning • Be familiar with school assessment and reporting procedures and prepare and present informative, helpful and accurate • Promote and inspire excellence in teaching and learning reports to parents both in writing and at parent consultation to ensure all pupils develop their potential in the subject - evenings; including the most able and those with learning needs. • Enhance the quality of teaching and learning in the Department • Exemplify in own practice the skills of teaching and learning and wider College through sharing resources and good practice, typified by lead professionals. lesson observation, collaborative teaching, mentoring and • Identify, analyse and challenge underperformance in teaching active participation in continuing professional development; and learning making effective use of raw and value added data • Consolidate and extend learning, encouraging pupils to take in collaboration with HMMs, HOYs and SLT. responsibility for their own learning; • Develop, review and implement schemes of work which • Set high expectations for all pupils to deepen their knowledge support high standards of teaching and learning. and understanding and to maximise their achievement; • Ensure that individual pupil progress is regularly assessed, • Use positive management of behaviour in an environment of recorded and reported and used to inform future teaching and mutual respect that allows pupils to feel safe and secure and promote further progress. promotes their self-esteem; • Develop imaginative provision of co-curricular opportunities • Play an active role in the co-curricular life of the Department, in order to promote pupils’ enjoyment and understanding of including contributing to support sessions, extension the subject - and their broader personal development - and to programmes, competitions, trips, open days, prep school collaborate with other colleagues in supporting cross-curricular events; initiatives. • Contribute to the school wide co-curricular programme as • Support the work of the Careers Department in preparing requested by the Assistant Head: Total Curriculum. This may pupils for the world of work and in preparation for UCAS include coaching sport at the appropriate level or delivering applications and to give specific support to those pupils activity programmes over the six day working week; applying for the most demanding and selective courses - Oxbridge, Medical Schools, etc. • Work as a tutor in either the Lower School, or in a day or boarding house as requested by the Second Master; As a teacher • Adhere to, and promote, all College policies and procedures; • Teach a reduced timetable allocation (currently 17 lessons of 50 • Undertake any other reasonable task as directed by the minutes over a six-day timetable); Headmaster, Deputy Head Academic or Head of Department. • Contribute to the successful teaching of the subject in Years 7 to 13, adapting and reassessing lesson plans to meet specific The College reserves the right to vary or amend the duties and student needs, liaising with the Academic Support Department responsibilities of the post holder at any time according to the needs as necessary; of the College’s business.

• Be responsible for the processes of assessment, recording and Epsom College is committed to safeguarding and reporting for the pupils in their charge; promoting the welfare of children and young people and • Assess pupils’ work frequently in line with Departmental and expects all staff to share this commitment. school policy and use the results to inform future planning, teaching and curricular development;

11 CRITERIA FOR THE APPOINTMENT In order to arrive at a decision, the selection panel may enhance any or all of the desirable criteria. ESSENTIAL CRITERIA The College has its own salary scale, and offers a generous fee • Possess an excellent degree in Geography or related subject; remission for the sons and daughters of staff and accommodation • Demonstrate the ability to teach GCSE and A-level; may be available. • Demonstrate an innovative and imaginative approach to teaching The offer of the role would be made subject to receipt of references, and learning, showing the capability to deliver inspirational and proof of relevant qualifications, Teaching Regulation Agency and informative lessons to a variety of age ranges and abilities; other relevant checks for teaching and management positions in the • Hold an impressive track record of GCSE and A Level results UK, obtaining a letter of professional standing from the professional and display an appetite for using data to drive up academic regulating authority for teachers who have worked outside the standards; UK where appropriate, Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check, • Demonstrate a capacity to lead and develop colleagues; an overseas check, if appropriate, and pre-placement medical assessment that are all satisfactory to Epsom College. Proof of • Demonstrate a willingness to take the lead in developing entitlement to work within the United Kingdom will be required. the department’s co-curricular activities and raising the profile of the Department in College life; All employees are required to ensure that all duties and • Be able to demonstrate a positive and authoritative rapport responsibilities are discharged in accordance with the College’s with all pupils, showing excellent and effective classroom Health and Safety Policy. They should take reasonable care for their management skills; own Health and Safety and that of others who may be affected by what they do or do not do. Staff should correctly use work items • Present excellent communication skills to enable effective provided by the College, including personal protective equipment in dialogue with pupils, parents, staff and visitors; accordance with training and instruction. • Be organised and self-motivated, with a proven record for meeting targets and deadlines; Anyone wishing to discuss these details further may contact Richard Alton, Deputy Head (Academic), by e-mail: • Possess a sharp and progressive vision of the subject and [email protected] of teaching and learning in a successful and dynamic school; • Display an ability to perform well and remain professional Candidates are asked to complete an online whilst under pressure, be tactful and discreet, whilst mindful Application Form available from our website of observing Safeguarding and professional standards; www.epsomcollege.org.uk along with a letter of application and submit these as soon as possible. • Be committed to boarding school life and willing to engage Applications will be assessed in order of receipt and in a range of co-curricular activities; interviews may occur at any stage after applications are • Demonstrate a strong commitment to personal continuous received. We therefore invite interested candidates to professional development; apply as soon as possible.

• Display a smart and professional appearance, representing Please contact Morven McDonald, Assistant to the Headmaster’s PA, the College in a positive manner. with any queries regarding the application process: Tel: 01372 821001; DESIRABLE CRITERIA Email: [email protected]. • Experience of leading and managing initiatives; • Experience of leading and managing colleagues; The closing date for applications is Monday, 15th March 2021 at 9am. • Experience of preparing pupils for Oxbridge entrance.

12 How to nd us

EPSOM COLLEGE, COLLEGE ROAD, EPSOM, SURREY, KT17 4JQ T: 01372 821000 EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK

By Road: The most direct route is via Junction 9 of the M25 Motorway, 3 miles away.

By Train: There is a regular train service from Victoria and Waterloo to Epsom mainline station with easy links to Sutton / Cheam / Dorking. There is a train from South Croydon / Purley / Kingswood to and from Wallington to Epsom Downs.

By Bus: 166 passes the College gates. The route includes: West Croydon / South Croydon / Coulsdon /Chipstead Valley / Woodmansterne / Banstead / Epsom.

13 COLLEGE ROAD, EPSOM, SURREY, KT17 4JQ T: 01372 821000 ADMISSION ENQUIRIES: T: 01372 821234 E: [email protected] EPSOMCOLLEGE.ORG.UK